Femoral version deformities alter joint reaction forces in dysplastic hips during gait.

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) causes hip instability and early-onset osteoarthritis. The focus on pathomechanics in DDH has centered on the shallow acetabulum, however there is growing awareness of the role of femoral deformities in joint damage. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of femoral version (FV) on the muscle and joint reaction forces (JRFs) of dysplastic hips during gait. Magnetic resonance images, in-vivo gait data, and musculoskeletal models were used to calculate JRFs and simulate changes due to varying FV deformities. Rotation about the long axis of the femur was added in the musculoskeletal models to simulate FV values from -5° (relative retroversion) to + 35° (increased anteversion). In our simulations, FV deformities caused the largest changes to the anteroposterior and resultant JRFs. From a normal FV of 15°, a 15° increase in femoral anteversion caused JRFs to be less posterior in early stance (Δ = 0.43 ± 0.22 xbodyweight) and more anterior in late stance (Δ = 0.60 ± 14 xbodyweight). Relative retroversion caused anteroposterior changes that were similar to anteversion in early stance but opposite in late stance. Resultant JRFs experienced the largest changes during late stance where anteversion raised the peak by 0.48 ± 0.15 xbodyweight and relative retroversion lowered the peak by 0.32 ± 0.30 xbodyweight. Increasing anteversion increased hip flexor and abductor muscle forces, which caused the changes in JRFs. Identifying how FV deformities influence hip joint loading can elucidate their role in the mechanisms of hip degeneration in patients with DDH.

Altered activity of pain processing brain regions in association with hip osteoarthritis.

Hip osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by chronic pain, but there remains a mismatch between symptoms and radiological findings. Recently, brain connectivity has been implicated in the modulation of chronic peripheral pain, however its association with perceived pain in hip OA is not understood. We used resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine functional connectivity associated with pain in hip OA patients. Thirty participants with hip OA and 10 non-OA controls were recruited. Using the visual analogue scale (VAS), pain scores were obtained before and after performing a painful hip activity. All participants underwent 3.0 T resting-state fMRI, and functional connectivity of brain regions associated with pain was determined and compared between participants, and before and after hip activity. Relative to controls, functional connectivity between the secondary somatosensory cortex and left posterior insula was increased, and functional connectivity between the bilateral posterior insula and motor cortices was significantly decreased in hip OA participants. In response to painful hip activity, functional connectivity increased between the thalamus, periaqueductal grey matter and brainstem. Functional connections between brain regions associated with pain are altered in hip OA patients, and several connections are modulated by performing painful activity. Unique lateralization of left posterior insula and linked brain functional connectivity patterns allows assessment of pain perception in hip OA providing an unbiased method to evaluate pain perception and pain modulation strategies.

Reliability of hip joint position sense tests using a clinically applicable measurement tool in elderly participants with unilateral hip osteoarthritis.

Hip joint proprioception is vital in maintaining posture and stability in elderly individuals. Examining hip joint position sense (JPS) using reliable tools is important in contemporary clinical practice. The objective of this study is to evaluate the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of hip JPS tests using a clinically applicable measurement tool in elderly individuals with unilateral hip osteoarthritis (OA). Sixty-two individuals (mean age = 67.5 years) diagnosed with unilateral hip OA participated in this study. The JPS tests were evaluated using a digital inclinometer in hip flexion and abduction directions. The absolute difference between target and reproduced angle (repositioning error) in degrees was taken to measure JPS accuracy. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC (2.k), was used to assess the reliability. The Intra rater-reliability for hip JPS tests showed very good agreement in the lying position (hip flexion-ICC = 0.88-0.92; standard error of measurement (SEM) = 0.06-0.07, hip abduction-ICC = 0.89-0.91; SEM = 0.06-0.07) and good agreement in the standing position (hip flexion-ICC = 0.69-0.72; SEM = 0.07, hip abduction-ICC = 0.66-0.69; SEM = 0.06-0.08). Likewise, inter-rater reliability for hip JPS tests demonstrated very good agreement in the lying position (hip flexion-ICC = 0.87-0.89; SEM = 0.06-0.07, hip abduction-ICC = 0.87-0.91; SEM = 0.07) and good agreement in the standing position (hip flexion-ICC = 0.64-0.66; SEM = 0.08, hip abduction-ICC = 0.60-0.72; SEM = 0.06-0.09). The results support the use of hip JPS tests in clinical practice and should be incorporated in assessing and managing elderly participants with hip OA.

Are biomechanics during gait associated with the structural disease onset and progression of lower limb osteoarthritis? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if gait biomechanics are associated with increased risk of structurally diagnosed disease onset or progression of lower limb osteoarthritis (OA). METHOD: A systematic review of Medline and Embase was conducted from inception to July 2021. Two reviewers independently screened records, extracted data and assessed risk of bias. Included studies reported gait biomechanics at baseline, and either structural imaging or joint replacement occurrence in the lower limb at follow-up. The primary outcome was the Odds Ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval (CI)) of the association between biomechanics and structural OA outcomes with data pooled for meta-analysis. RESULTS: Twenty-three studies reporting 25 different biomechanical metrics and 11 OA imaging outcomes were included (quality scores ranged 12-20/21). Twenty studies investigated knee OA progression; three studies investigated knee OA onset. Two studies investigated hip OA progression. 91% of studies reported a significant association between at least one biomechanical variable and OA onset or progression. There was an association between frontal plane biomechanics with medial tibiofemoral and hip OA progression and sagittal plane biomechanics with patellofemoral OA progression. Meta-analyses demonstrated increased odds of medial tibiofemoral OA progression with greater baseline peak knee adduction moment (KAM) (OR: 1.88 [95%CI: 1.08, 3.29]) and varus thrust presence (OR: 1.97 [95%CI: 1.32, 2.96]). CONCLUSION: Evidence suggests that certain gait biomechanics are associated with an increased odds of OA onset and progression in the knee, and progression in the hip. REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO CRD42019133920.

Are There Distinct Statistical Groupings of Mental Health Factors and Pathophysiology Severity Among People with Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis Presenting for Specialty Care?

BACKGROUND: There is mounting evidence that objective measures of pathophysiology do not correlate well with symptom intensity. A growing line of inquiry identifies statistical combinations (so-called "phenotypes") of various levels of distress and unhelpful thoughts that are associated with distinct levels of symptom intensity and magnitude of incapability. As a next step, it would be helpful to understand how distress and unhelpful thoughts interact with objective measures of pathologic conditions such as the radiologic severity of osteoarthritis. The ability to identify phenotypes of these factors that are associated with distinct levels of illness could contribute to improved personalized musculoskeletal care in a comprehensive, patient-centered model. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) When measures of mental health are paired with radiologic osteoarthritis severity, are there distinct phenotypes among adult patients with hip and knee osteoarthritis? (2) Is there a difference in the degree of capability and pain self-efficacy among the identified mental health and radiologic phenotypes? (3) When capability (Patient-reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Physical Function [PROMIS PF]) is paired with radiographic osteoarthritis severity, are there distinct phenotypes among patients with hip and knee osteoarthritis? (4) Is there a difference in mental health among patients with the identified capability and radiologic phenotypes? METHODS: We performed a secondary analysis of data from a study of 119 patients who presented for musculoskeletal specialty care for hip or knee osteoarthritis. Sixty-seven percent (80 of 119) of patients were women, with a mean age of 62 ± 10 years. Seventy-six percent (91 of 119) of patients had knee osteoarthritis, and 59% (70 of 119) had an advanced radiographic grade of osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence grade 3 or higher). This dataset is well-suited for our current experiment because the initial study had broad enrollment criteria, making these data applicable to a diverse population and because patients had sufficient variability in radiographic severity of osteoarthritis. All new and returning patients were screened for eligibility. We do not record the percentage of eligible patients who do not participate in cross-sectional surveys, but the rate is typically high (more than 80%). One hundred forty-eight eligible patients started the questionnaires, and 20% (29 of 148) of patients did not complete at least 60% of the questionnaires and were excluded, leaving 119 patients available for analysis. We measured psychologic distress (Patient Health Questionnaire-2 [PHQ-2] and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-2 questionnaire [GAD-2]), unhelpful thoughts about pain (Pain Catastrophizing Scale-4 [PCS-4]), self-efficacy when in pain (Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire-2), and capability (PROMIS PF). One of two arthroplasty fellowship-trained surgeons assigned the Kellgren-Lawrence grade of osteoarthritis based on radiographs in the original study. We used a cluster analysis to generate two sets of phenotypes: (1) measures of mental health (PHQ-2, GAD-2, PCS-4) paired with the Kellgren-Lawrence grade and (2) capability (PROMIS PF) paired with the Kellgren-Lawrence grade. We used one-way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis H tests to assess differences in capability and self-efficacy and mental health, respectively. RESULTS: When pairing measures of psychologic distress (PHQ-2 and GAD-2) and unhelpful thoughts (catastrophic thinking) with the grade of radiographic osteoarthritis, six distinct phenotypes arose. These groups differed in terms of capability and pain self-efficacy (for example, mild pathology/low distress versus average pathology/high distress [PROMIS PF, mean ± standard deviation]: 43 ± 6.3 versus 33 ± 4.8; p = 0.003). When pairing the degree of capability (PROMIS PF) with the Kellgren-Lawrence grade, four distinct phenotypes arose. Patients in three of these did not differ in terms of disease severity but had notable variation in the degree of limitations. Patients with these radiologic and capability phenotypes differed in terms of distress and unhelpful thoughts (for example, moderate pathology/low capability versus mild pathology/high capability [PHQ-2, median and interquartile range]: 3 [1 to 5] versus 0 [0 to 0]; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Statistical groupings ("phenotypes") that include both measures of pathology and mental health are associated with differences in symptom intensity and magnitude of incapability and have the potential to help musculoskeletal specialists discern mental and social health priorities. Future investigations may test whether illness phenotype-specific comprehensive biopsychosocial treatment strategies are more effective than treatment of pathology alone. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, prognostic study.

Functional Outcomes of Arthroscopic Acetabular Labral Repair with and without Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate.

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip is a debilitating condition associated with inferior outcomes in patients undergoing hip arthroscopy. To provide symptom relief and improve outcomes in these patients, bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) has been applied as an adjuvant therapy with the hope of halting progression of cartilage damage. The current study examined the clinical efficacy of BMAC application in patients undergoing arthroscopic acetabular labral repair by comparing patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) between groups with and without BMAC application. METHODS: Patients who received BMAC during arthroscopic acetabular labral repair from December 2016 to June 2019 were compared with a control cohort that underwent the same procedure but did not receive BMAC from November 2013 to November 2016. Patients in both cohorts were asked to prospectively complete PROMs prior to surgery and at 3, 6, 12, and 24-month follow-up intervals; those who completed the PROMs at enrollment and the 12-month follow-up were included in the study. An a priori subgroup analysis was performed among patients with moderate cartilage damage (Outerbridge grade 2 or 3). The analyses were adjusted for any differences in baseline factors between groups. RESULTS: Sixty-two patients with BMAC application were compared with 62 control patients without BMAC application. When compared with the no-BMAC cohort, the BMAC cohort did not report significantly different mean International Hip Outcome Tool-33 (iHOT-33) scores at any postoperative time point. However, when patients with moderate cartilage damage were compared across groups, the BMAC cohort reported significantly greater mean (95% confidence interval) scores than the no-BMAC cohort at the 12-month (78.6 [72.4 to 84.8] versus 69.2 [63.3 to 75.2]; p = 0.035) and 24-month (82.5 [73.4 to 91.6] versus 69.5 [62.1 to 76.8]; p = 0.030) follow-up. Similarly, these patients reported greater score improvements at 12 months (37.3 [30.3 to 44.3] versus 25.4 [18.7 to 32.0]; p = 0.017) and 24 months (39.6 [30.4 to 48.7] versus 26.4 [19.1 to 33.8]; p = 0.029). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with moderate cartilage injury undergoing arthroscopic acetabular labral repair with BMAC application reported significantly greater functional improvements when compared with similar patients without BMAC application. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

How does hip osteoarthritis differ from knee osteoarthritis?

Hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA) are leading causes of global disability. Most research to date has focused on the knee, with results often extrapolated to the hip, and this extends to treatment recommendations in clinical guidelines. Extrapolating results from research on knee OA may limit our understanding of disease characteristics specific to hip OA, thereby constraining development and implementation of effective treatments. This review highlights differences between hip and knee OA with respect to prevalence, prognosis, epigenetics, pathophysiology, anatomical and biomechanical factors, clinical presentation, pain and non-surgical treatment recommendations and management.

Preoperative spinopelvic hypermobility resolves following total hip arthroplasty.

AIMS: Spinopelvic mobility plays an important role in functional acetabular component position following total hip arthroplasty (THA). The primary aim of this study was to determine if spinopelvic hypermobility persists or resolves following THA. Our second aim was to identify patient demographic or radiological factors associated with hypermobility and resolution of hypermobility after THA. METHODS: This study investigated patients with preoperative posterior hypermobility, defined as a change in sacral slope (SS) from standing to sitting (ΔSSstand-sit) ≥ 30°. Radiological spinopelvic parameters, including SS, pelvic incidence (PI), lumbar lordosis (LL), PI-LL mismatch, anterior pelvic plane tilt (APPt), and spinopelvic tilt (SPT), were measured on preoperative imaging, and at six weeks and a minimum of one year postoperatively. The severity of bilateral hip osteoarthritis (OA) was graded using Kellgren-Lawrence criteria. RESULTS: A total of 136 patients were identified as having preoperative spinopelvic hypermobility. At one year after THA, 95% (129/136) of patients were no longer categorized as hypermobile on standing and sitting radiographs (ΔSSstand-sit < 30°). Mean ΔSSstand-sit decreased from 36.4° (SD 5.1°) at baseline to 21.4° (SD 6.6°) at one year (p < 0.001). Mean SSseated increased from baseline (11.4° (SD 8.8°)) to one year after THA by 11.5° (SD 7.4°) (p < 0.001), which correlates to an 8.5° (SD 5.5°) mean decrease in seated functional cup anteversion. Contralateral hip OA was the only radiological predictor of hypermobility persisting at one year after surgery. The overall reoperation rate was 1.5%. CONCLUSION: Spinopelvic hypermobility was found to resolve in the majority (95%) of patients one year after THA. The increase in SSseated was clinically significant, suggesting that current target recommendations for the hypermobile patient (decreased anteversion and inclination) should be revisited. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(12):1766-1773.

Pelvic incidence and pelvic tilt can be calculated using either the femoral heads or acetabular domes in patients with hip osteoarthritis.

AIMS: The aim of the study was to compare two methods of calculating pelvic incidence (PI) and pelvic tilt (PT), either by using the femoral heads or acetabular domes to determine the bicoxofemoral axis, in patients with unilateral or bilateral primary hip osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: PI and PT were measured on standing lateral radiographs of the spine in two groups: 50 patients with unilateral (Group I) and 50 patients with bilateral hip OA (Group II), using the femoral heads or acetabular domes to define the bicoxofemoral axis. Agreement between the methods was determined by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the standard error of measurement (SEm). The intraobserver reproducibility and interobserver reliability of the two methods were analyzed on 31 radiographs in both groups to calculate ICC and SEm. RESULTS: In both groups, excellent agreement between the two methods was obtained, with ICC of 0.99 and SEm 0.3° for Group I, and ICC 0.99 and SEm 0.4° for Group II. The intraobserver reproducibility was excellent for both methods in both groups, with an ICC of at least 0.97 and SEm not exceeding 0.8°. The study also revealed excellent interobserver reliability for both methods in both groups, with ICC 0.99 and SEm 0.5° or less. CONCLUSION: Either the femoral heads or acetabular domes can be used to define the bicoxofemoral axis on the lateral standing radiographs of the spine for measuring PI and PT in patients with idiopathic unilateral or bilateral hip OA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(8):1345-1350.

Clinical Hip Osteoarthritis in Current and Former Professional Footballers and Its Effect on Hip Function and Quality of Life.

The objective of the study was to establish the prevalence of clinical hip osteoarthritis in current and former professional footballers and to explore its consequences on hip function and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). A cross-sectional study by means of questionnaire was conducted among current and former professional footballers fulfilling the following inclusion criteria: (1) male (2) active or retired professional footballer (3) member of FIFPRO (Football Players Worldwide) (4) between 18 and 50 years old (5) could read and understand texts in French, Spanish, or English. Controls (matched for: gender, age, body weight and height) were also recruited. The main outcome measures were clinical hip osteoarthritis, hip function and HRQoL. Questionnaires were sent to 2,500 members of which 1,401 participated (1,000 current and 401 former professional footballers). Fifty-two controls were recruited. Prevalence of hip osteoarthritis was 2% among current and 8% among former professional footballers. Hip function was significantly (p ≤ 0.001) lower in both types of footballers with hip osteoarthritis than in footballers without hip osteoarthritis and controls. Current and former professional footballers with hip osteoarthritis reported significantly lower physical health scores (p = 0.032, p = 0.002) than those without. Hip osteoarthritis led to a significantly lower score in the physical (p = 0.004) and mental (p = 0.014) component of HRQoL in former footballers compared to the controls, while in current footballers only the physical component was significantly (p = 0.012) lower compared to the controls. Hip osteoarthritis has a higher prevalence in former than in current professional footballers and impacts hip function and HRQoL negatively.

Truncal Changes in Patients Suffering Severe Hip or Knee Osteoarthritis: A Surface Topography Study.

BACKGROUD: Osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip and knee is a degenerative disease with complications, including reduced range of motion and pain. Although OA of the hip and knee is common, there are few studies that investigated if patients with this condition had affected morphological truncal parameters. The objectives of this study were to compare the morphology of the spine and the pelvis of patients with hip or knee OA to that of a control group (CG) and to comment on the proposed mechanisms of these changes and the clinical effects on patients. METHODS: This study included three groups of individuals. The first group consisted of 34 patients (15 men and 19 women with a mean age of 67.62 ± 8.28 years) suffering from hip OA. The second group consisted of 45 patients (11 men and 34 women with a mean age of 72.47 ± 7.0 years) suffering from knee OA. These patients were compared with a CG, which consisted of 25 individuals (13 men and 12 women with a mean age of 69.28 ± 10.11 years). The DIERS formetric 4D analysis system was used to calculate several truncal parameters in all planes. All analyses were accomplished using the SPSS ver. 17.0, and p < 0.05 was used to determine statistical significance. RESULTS: Patients with hip OA presented with significantly increased values than those in the CG for sagittal imbalance, scoliosis angle, vertebral rotation, trunk torsion, and pelvic obliquity, and decreased values than those in the CG for fleche lombaire. Patients with knee OA presented with significantly increased values than those in the CG for sagittal imbalance, apical deviation, scoliosis angle, vertebral rotation, trunk torsion, and pelvic obliquity. Patients with hip or knee OA, compared to the CG, had greater forward inclination of the spine, greater scoliosis, greater vertebral rotation and trunk torsion, and greater obliquity of the pelvis at the frontal plane. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with severe hip or knee OA could have truncal morphology alterations, in addition to reduced hip or knee range of motion and pain. These alterations could cause significant negative effects, which may then seriously affect the patients' quality of life.

Clinical Outcomes Of Intra-Articular High Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid Injection For Hip Osteoarthritis- A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis is the most common degenerative disease of the synovial joints in the elderly population with hip osteoarthritis as the second most commonly affected joint. A multitude of conservative treatments is used for pain relief and functional improvement including acetaminophen, NSAID, intra-articular corticosteroid, and viscosupplementation (VS). Different preparations of VS based on different molecular weights are commercially available. No systematic review or meta-analysis regarding the use of intra-articular high molecular weight hyaluronic acid (HMWHA) injection for the hip joint was published before. This review analyzes the efficacy of intra-articular HMWHA for hip osteoarthritis. METHODS: PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library for randomized trials describing the efficacy of HMWHA for hip osteoarthritis was searched. The search terms were osteoarthritis, hip joint, outcomes, viscosupplementation, and high molecular weight hyaluronic acid in different combinations. Standardized mean difference (SMD) in VAS for pain relief and Lequesne index for functional outcomes while risk ratio (RR) for complications was used for data pooling. RESULTS: Four studies comprising 185 and 189 patients in HMWHA and control groups were included, respectively. SMD for VAS and Lequesne index was -0.056 and -0.114, respectively while RR for complication was 0.879. CONCLUSIONS: Intra-articular HMWHA injection provided pain relief, functional improvement, and no severe complications on immediate short term basis. However, the results do not favor treatment with HMWHA over other treatment methods. Randomized trials are further necessary to provide data regarding comparisons between HMWHA for hip osteoarthritis concerning clinicians' convenience, compliance, duration of relief, and cost-effectiveness.

Hip Sway in Patients With Hip Osteoarthritis During One-Leg Standing With a Focus on Time Series Data.

This study aimed to investigate the hip sway and the relationship between the center of pressure (CoP) and kinematic parameters regarding the time series scaling component α in patients with hip osteoarthritis (OA) during a one-leg standing task. The scaling exponent α, SD, hip sway maximal acceleration change, and balance performance, which was measured using CoP parameters, were compared between hip OA and control groups during a one-leg standing task. The relationships between balance performance with CoP parameters and kinematic parameters were investigated with the regression analysis. In the hip OA group, the scaling exponent α was smaller in the medial-lateral direction, and the SD and maximal amount of change in hip sway acceleration were larger in the anterior-posterior direction in the hip OA group. In this group, the CoP parameters were significantly associated with α in the medial-lateral direction (negatively) and in the anterior-posterior direction (positively). In the hip OA group, hip sway adaptability in the medial-lateral direction was limited, while the anterior-posterior direction showed greater movement.

Response Mapping Methods to Estimate the EQ-5D-5L From the Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis in Patients With Hip or Knee Osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVES: The mapping technique can estimate generic preference-based measure scores through a specific measure that cannot be used in economic evaluations. This study compared 2 response mapping methods to estimate EQ-5D-5L scores using the Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC). METHODS: The sample consisted of 758 patients with the hip or knee osteoarthritis recruited in baseline. Bayesian networks (BN) and multinomial logistic regression (ML) were used as response mapping models. Predictions were obtained using the 6-month follow-up as a validation sample. The mean absolute error, mean squared error, deviation from the root mean squared error and intraclass correlation coefficient were calculated as precision measures. RESULTS: There was 5.5% of missing data, which was removed. The mean age was 69.6 years (standard deviation = 10.5), with 61.6% of women. The BN model presented lower mean absolute error, mean squared error, root mean squared error and higher intraclass correlation coefficient than the ML model. Only the WOMAC items pain and physical function items were related with the EQ-5D-5L dimensions. CONCLUSION: BN response mapping models are more robust methods, with better prediction results, than ML models. The BN model also provided a graphic representation of the dependency relationships between the EQ-5D-5L dimensions and the different WOMAC items that could be useful in the clinical investigation of patients with hip or knee osteoarthritis.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of neuropathic-like pain and/or pain sensitization in people with knee and hip osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of neuropathic-like pain (NP) and pain sensitization (PS) defined by self-report questionnaires in knee and hip osteoarthritis, and whether prevalence is potentially explained by disease-severity or affected joint. DESIGN: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL were systematically searched (1990-April 2020) for studies describing the prevalence of NP and PS in knee and hip osteoarthritis using self-report questionnaires. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed. Statistical heterogeneity between studies and sub-groups (affected joint and population source as a proxy for disease severity) was assessed (I2 statistic and the Chi-squared test). RESULTS: From 2,706 non-duplicated references, 39 studies were included (2011-2020). Thirty-six studies reported on knee pain and six on hip pain. For knee osteoarthritis, the pooled prevalence of NP was: using PainDETECT, possible NP(score ≥13) 40% (95%CI 32-48%); probable NP(score >18) 20% (95%CI 15-24%); using Self-Report Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs, 32% (95%CI 26-38%); using Douleur Neuropathique (DN4) 41% (95% CI 24-59%). The prevalence of PS using Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) was 36% (95% CI 12-59%). For hip osteoarthritis, the pooled prevalence of NP was: using PainDETECT, possible NP 29% (95%CI 22-37%%); probable NP 9% (95%CI 6-13%); using DN4 22% (95%CI 12-31%) in one study. The prevalence of possible NP pain was higher at the knee (40%) than the hip (29%) (difference 11% (95% CI 0-22%), P = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Using self-report questionnaire tools, NP was more prevalent in knee than hip osteoarthritis. The prevalence of NP in knee and hip osteoarthritis were similar for each joint regardless of study population source or tool used. Whether defining NP using self-report questionnaires enables more effective targeted therapy in osteoarthritis requires investigation.

Evaluation of braking performances of patients with osteoarthritis of the knee or hip: Are there alternatives to a brake simulator?

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to develop and evaluate a simple tool for daily practice that might allow a rough estimate of individual braking performance (brake response time, BRT) of patients with osteoarthritis or those with arthroplasty of the knee or hip. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we examined 162 patients (72 men, 90 women; mean age = 64±12.8 years) who suffered from osteoarthritis of the knee (n=45) or hip (n=64) or who underwent a total hip (n=37) or knee (n=16) arthroplasty. BRT of each patient was measured in a brake simulator. The results were compared to demographic data, various clinical tests, and pain surveys. From these data, a multiple linear regression model was developed. RESULTS: From the observed correlations, the regression model consisted of age (correlation with BRT τ=0.176, p=0.001), sex (τ=0.361, p<0.001), Hau's step test (τ=-0.345, p<0.001), and the pain dimension of the Hip disability/Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (τ=-0.265, p<0.001). We, therefore, suggested the following formula: BRTest = 634.8 - (8.8 x Hau) + 119.2 (for women) + (3.0 x age) - (1.3 x H/KOOS Pain). The above-mentioned variables contributed significantly to the prediction of BRT and could achieve a multiple R² adj of 0.31. The model leaves a residual standard error (i.e., SD of the residuals) of 158.4 ms, which is superior to a model without predictors; F (4.140)=16.8, p<0.001. CONCLUSION: Our evaluated regression model offers an uncertainty which is comparable to the one based on a fixed time period after surgery or a defined pathologic condition. The high variability even within a single patient over several brake simulator measurements makes it unlikely for a model to be generated solely based on clinical testing. Taking the available data in literature into account, we advise caution when formulating a real-time- or condition-based recommendation. We rather suggest being aware of risk factors that might lead to impaired BRT to sensitize patients to their impaired ability to drive. We identify such risk factors, namely old age, female sex, impaired musculoskeletal function, as tested in Hau's step test, and high levels of pain. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, Therapeutic Study.

Contralateral Lower-Limb Functional Status Before Total Hip Arthroplasty: An Important Indicator for Postoperative Gait Speed.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative gait speed, especially comfortable gait speed, is an important factor for predicting function after total hip arthroplasty (THA). In this study, we examined factors related to gait speed, including preoperative lower and upper-limb functional parameters and postoperative lower-limb alignment. In addition, we examined factors related to postoperative good comfortable gait speed (≥1.34 m/s: one indicator of a good clinical outcome). The purpose of this study was to determine if better preoperative functional parameters had a positive effect on postoperative gait speed. METHODS: This prospective case-control study included 91 patients with hip osteoarthritis who underwent unilateral THA. Patients who had undergone a prior hip surgical procedure or had Crowe type-3 and 4 hips, complications after THA, knee osteoarthritis-related pain, and severe lumbar conditions were excluded. The 1-leg standing time (OLST) and knee extensor strength of the operatively treated side and the contralateral side and the functional reach test were examined preoperatively and at 1 year postoperatively. The leg-length discrepancy and global offset compared with the contralateral side and leg lengthening were examined using 3-dimensional models captured through computed tomographic scans. RESULTS: The preoperative contralateral side OLST was a significant factor (p < 0.001) for postoperative comfortable gait speed, and the preoperative contralateral-side knee extensor strength was a significant factor (p = 0.018) for postoperative maximum gait speed. Leg-length discrepancy and differences in global offset after THA were not significant factors for postoperative gait speed. The preoperative comfortable gait speed with a cutoff value of 1.115 m/s (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.690 [95% confidence interval, 0.569 to 0.810]; p = 0.003; sensitivity of 65.5% and specificity of 74.2%) was an independent factor associated with a good postoperative comfortable gait speed. Preoperative contralateral-side OLST was a significant factor (p = 0.027) for preoperative comfortable gait speed. CONCLUSIONS: The preoperative contralateral-side, lower-limb functional status is a significant factor for postoperative gait speed. Early surgical intervention before the contralateral-side function declines or a preoperative rehabilitation intervention on the contralateral side may improve THA outcome. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Evaluation of Exercise Interventions and Outcomes After Hip Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Importance: Preoperative and postoperative exercise interventions are commonly used in patients with total hip arthroplasty despite a lack of established efficacy. Objective: To explore clinical outcomes associated with exercise training before and after hip arthroplasty. Data Sources: PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, EMBASE, and Google Scholar were searched from their inception to March 2020. Reference lists of included trials and related reviews were also searched. Study Selection: Randomized clinical trials of land-based exercise interventions before or after total hip arthroplasty were included. Data Extraction and Synthesis: This systematic review and meta-analysis is reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) reporting guideline. Data extraction was independently performed in duplicate. Random-effects meta-analyses with restricted maximum likelihood were performed for pooling the data. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary prespecified outcome was self-reported physical function. Secondary prespecified outcomes were self-reported pain intensity, quality of life, gait speed, lower body muscle strength, lower body flexibility, anxiety, hospital length of stay, and adverse events. Results: A total of 32 randomized clinical trials with 1753 patients were included in the qualitative synthesis, and 26 studies with 1004 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with usual care or no or minimal intervention, postoperative exercise training was not associated with improved self-reported physical function, with a moderate level of certainty, at 4 weeks (standardized mean difference [SMD], 0.01; 95% CI, -0.18 to 0.20), 12 weeks (SMD, -0.08; 95% CI, -0.23 to 0.07) and 26 weeks (SMD, -0.04; 95% CI, -0.31 to 0.24) postoperatively, and low level of certainty at 1 year after surgical treatment (SMD, 0.01; 95% CI, -0.09 to 0.12). For preoperative exercise interventions, there was no association of exercised training with self-reported physical function compared with the control at the 12-week (SMD, -0.14; 95% CI, -0.61 to 0.32) or 1-year follow-ups (SMD, 0.01; 95% CI, -0.37 to 0.40) with very low certainty, and no association with length of stay (mean difference, -0.21; 95% CI, -0.74 to 0.31) at moderate certainty. Results for postoperative hip muscle strength were rated at very low certainty, with no statistical significance. Meta-analysis could not be performed for other outcomes. Conclusions and Relevance: This systematic review and meta-analysis found low- to moderate-quality evidence that postoperative exercise interventions were not associated with improved self-reported physical function compared with usual care or no or minimal intervention. Furthermore, there was very low-quality evidence that preoperative exercise programs were not associated with higher self-reported physical function and hospital length of stay compared with usual care or no or minimal intervention.

Effectiveness of Dry Needling Therapy on Pain, Hip Muscle Strength, and Physical Function in Patients With Hip Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the short-term effects of dry needling (DN) on physical function, pain, and hip muscle strength in patients with hip osteoarthritis (OA). DESIGN: A double-blind, placebo-control, randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Private practice physiotherapy clinic. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with unilateral hip OA (N=45) were randomly allocated to a DN group, sham DN group, or control group. INTERVENTIONS: Patients in the DN and sham groups received 3 treatment sessions. Three active myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) were treated in each session with DN or a sham needle procedure. The treatment was applied in active MTrPs of the iliopsoas, rectus femoris, tensor fasciae latae, and gluteus minimus muscles. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Physical function was assessed with the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) physical function subscale, the timed Up and Go test, and the 40-meter self-paced walk test. Intensity of hip pain related to physical function was evaluated using the visual analog scale and WOMAC pain subscale. The maximal isometric force of hip muscles was recorded with a handheld dynamometer. RESULTS: Significant group by time interactions were shown for physical function, pain, and hip muscle force variables. Post hoc tests revealed a significant reduction in hip pain and significant improvements in physical function and hip muscle strength in the DN group compared with the sham and control groups. The DN group showed within- and between-groups large effect sizes (d>0.8). CONCLUSIONS: DN therapy in active MTrPs of the hip muscles reduced pain and improved hip muscle strength and physical function in patients with hip OA. DN in active MTrPs of the hip muscles should be considered for the management of hip OA.

Characteristics associated between the incidence of hip osteoarthritis and early hip complaints (CHECK study) within 10 years.

OBJECTIVE: To determine which baseline characteristics, especially clinically variables like pain, stiffness, physical functioning and disease variables, are associated with incident hip OA within 10 years in first presenters with hip complaints. Rheumatology key messages History taking and not physical exam variables are associated with incident hip osteoarthritis. Specific questions about daily life activities are associated with incident hip OA. These questions are about pain while walking/shopping, difficulties putting socks on/off and rising from bed. METHODS: Data were obtained from the nationwide prospective Cohort Hip and Cohort Knee (CHECK) study (n = 1002). Incident hip OA was defined as fulfilling the clinical ACR criteria for hip OA, a Kellgren and Lawrence score ≥2 with hip pain, or received a hip replacement during follow-up. Baseline measurements were used of participants with hip complaints and without hip OA. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to reduce the number of correlated variables. Associations between baseline characteristics (including PCA components) and incident hip OA were investigated using logistic regression analysis, adjusted for age, sex and BMI. RESULTS: In total, 312 participants (85% female and 98% Caucasian) were included, 181 developed hip OA. PCA resulted in four components. Incident hip OA was associated with (i) component 1 (general presence of pain and symptoms) [odds ratio (OR) = 1.46 (95%CI: 1.08, 1.98)], (ii) component 3 (relatively high levels of pain during shopping/walking combined with less difficulty with putting socks on/off and rising from bed) [OR = 1.58 (95%CI: 1.18, 2.12)] and (iii) knee pain [OR = 0.34 (95% CI: 0.17, 0.66)]. CONCLUSION: In first presenters with hip complaints, use of a few history-taking variables might allow better recognition of those at higher odds for incident hip OA within 10 years.